Mothering Sunday

Mothering Sunday - a brief history

This year Mothering Sunday, or Mothers Day as it has become to be known, falls on Sunday 22nd March. It is a time to remember our Mums, to visit our Mums and return just a fraction of the attention, care and love that they have lavished on us over the years. But how did Mothers Day come to be? Read on!

"All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother"

Abraham Lincoln

Mothering Sunday is always the fourth Sunday in Lent and the term 'mother' in this context refers to the church and not our biological mothers. On this Sunday, churchgoers were encouraged to go back to their 'mother' church - the church in which they were baptised or the 'mother' church or Cathedral of Diocese.

"A man loves his sweetheart the most, his wife the best, but his mother the longest"

Irish Proverb

As people were returning to their 'mother' church, it became an occasion for family re-unions and celebrations. Traditionally, girls who were 'in service' (working for the household or estate of a wealthy family) were granted the day off from their chores to return to their 'mother' church and visit their families and, it is believed, that this is how the tradition of Mothers Day was born. Girls and boys returning home for the day (many were only 10 years old when sent off to service or undertake an apprenticeship) would pick wild flowers from the lanes to take home for their mums.

"Who ran to help me when I fell

And would some pretty story tell

Or kiss the place to make it well?

My Mother"

Ann Taylor

Our Mums are special people. Remember Mothering Sunday on 22nd March and tell your mum she's special.

Mother's Day Cards Here